Pakistan's associate manager Shafqat Rana and captain Shahid Afridi welcome the probe into players' assets.

It emerged in Pakistan, following the 'spot-fixing' crisis which has resulted in International Cricket Council charges against three players initially in the squad to face England, that the government is to sanction the assistance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Rana and Afridi were speaking at Cardiff's SWALEC Stadium, where the latter will lead his team in the second NatWest Series International Twenty20 against England on Tuesday.

Test captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and teenager Mohammad Aamer have all been suspended by the ICC - pending charges under the anti-corruption code - after News of the World allegations that they were part of a plot to defraud illegal bookmakers.

Asked about the intervention of the FBR, Rana is all in favour of a move he suggested was already a possibility long before any Pakistani players were named in connection with the controversy which has rocked cricket for the past week.

"I think it's a good thing from the government," he said.

"It was there in their minds before we came over. It will bring things out, so they will be very careful.

"Shahid is of the same opinion that it should be done, and it's good for cricket."

Contrary to the sentiments of many, Rana made it clear too he does not believe a special case should be made for 18-year-old Aamer - on account of his age and inexperience - should the allegations be proven.

"I think it should be the same with everybody who breaks the law. It doesn't matter."

He confirmed that is the consensus back in Pakistan too.

"Yes, they want everything in the best spirit of the game," he added.

Afridi has a notably difficult task to prepare his team to battle back for a series draw, in such trying circumstances.

Once again, he was inevitably asked a series of questions about the 'spot-fixing' allegations - confirming ICC policy of stringent player education on anti-corruption, that there is no contact between the current squad and the three suspended players and that his team will be determined to focus on cricket alone.

"People come from ICC and talk about these things, so we all know how to deal with it - if you have any problems you go straight to the manager and talk to him.

"The people from ICC are doing their job."

As for any communication with Butt, Asif or Aamer - all interviewed by police under caution last week - he pointed out: "We're busy, and they're busy as well.

"I think the police have their mobiles, so we don't know how to contact them."

Back in Cardiff, Afridi knows he has a tough job on his hands - but will not shirk the issue.

"The mood is getting better, and I hope it will be fine for the rest of the games.

"We missed some opportunities (in a five-wicket defeat) yesterday, but tomorrow you will see the attitude will be more positive.

"I'm very confident and will definitely set an example as the captain. I will try my level best to perform my best with bat, ball and in the field.

"My boys are all determined to try to level the series.

"I'm very focused on this series, because I know how important it is for me, my team and my country.

"It's my goal to win a few games at least with this team. I would love that."

In the less immediate future, Afridi unsurprisingly ruled out any likelihood of him returning as Test captain - but opened up the intriguing possibility that Younis Khan might.

Younis is still at loggerheads with the Pakistan Cricket Board, despite the overturning of a life ban following last winter's fractious tour of Australia.

"I don't think I'll be available for Test cricket now, and we need some experience - like Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan as well," he said.

"Younis had some discipline problems with the PCB. Let's see if they can sit together and talk to sort it out - because we definitely need experienced players in the team."

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